13 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Just finished this book today. Mar.4,09. I am surprised to find this did not get very good reviews at least here on Shelfari. I found this story touching and one I, as a parent can relate to. (not that we've been in this situation, however I do relate to the parents and some of their feelings they experience)

This book tells of a family, who's teenaged son is accused of killing his girlfriend. He seems to be a fairly good kid, and the family is having a hard time believing this has happened, even though his mother, is a physician and has actually seen the body of the murdered girl. The father, on the other hand, immediately decides to hide any evidence that can make his son look guilty. And the younger sister is also deeply disturbed over the next few years as the story unfolds in courtrooms and jail buildings. And on top of it all, the son accused of murder, vanishes. The title is pretty much self expainatory... Their lives... Before and After. I was touched by the book so I will give it 4 stars.

A wonderful book about an ordinary Vermont family who suddenly have to cope with a horrible act committed by their son. The parents' emotions and reactions - protective, angry, accusatory, horrified, embarrassed - are beautifully and realistically protrayed in the book. Moving and memorable.

Linda C. (Seagull) reviewed Cutting-Up in the Kitchen: The Butcher's Guide to Saving Money on Meat and Poultry on 3/4/2006

Helpful Score: 1

"In those days the butcher was a trusted friend, looked to for assistance in selecting a good steak, timing a roast of beef or stretching a food dollar....Times have changed...The butcher is still there, but he's not the same guy....that used to inquire..."How did the Pot Roast turn out?....Armed with a little basic knowledge about meat and a willingness to spend some time in the kitchen doing a little 'cutting-up,' it is possible to eat extremely well and economically, even in this high cost of living world we live in." (Introduction)

Just finished this book today. Mar.4,09. I am surprised to find this did not get very good reviews at least here on Shelfari. I found this story touching and one I, as a parent can relate to. (not that we've been in this situation, however I do relate to the parents and some of their feelings they experience)

This book tells of a family, who's teenaged son is accused of killing his girlfriend. He seems to be a fairly good kid, and the family is having a hard time believing this has happened, even though his mother, is a physician and has actually seen the body of the murdered girl. The father, on the other hand, immediately decides to hide any evidence that can make his son look guilty. And the younger sister is also deeply disturbed over the next few years as the story unfolds in courtrooms and jail buildings. And on top of it all, the son accused of murder, vanishes. The title is pretty much self expainatory... Their lives... Before and After. I was touched by the book so I will give it 4 stars.

Deb B. reviewed Cutting-Up in the Kitchen: The Butcher's Guide to Saving Money on Meat and Poultry on 1/17/2007 + 11 more book reviews

The Reiser were a typical American family. Two loving parents. Two bright teenagers. A lovely home in a small New England town. But then one day the doorbell rang, bring news of a shattering crime that would turn their son into a stranger and tear their lives in half.

First the cover of my book looks different than the one pictured. Anyway, what happens to a family when a member is accused of a crime? A mother always wants to believe her child is innocent...but what happens if she uncovers something that makes her question that innocence?